Influence at Work: Unlocking the Secrets to Career Growth | Career | Presented by MasterClass
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
Welcome to a power-packed masterclass on workplace influence featuring insights from negotiation expert Chris Voss, leadership guru Kim Scott, and business strategists like Patrick Lencioni and Tori Dunlap. This episode breaks down the complete playbook for ambitious professionals ready to stop being overlooked and start commanding respect. From day one entrepreneurial thinking (02:30) to mastering high-stakes conversations, you'll discover how to build unshakeable confidence, become genuinely likable, and communicate with authority. The conversation covers everything from finding your zone of genius and asking powerful "what" and "how" questions (23:56) to soliciting meaningful feedback and knowing when toxic environments require a strategic exit. Whether you're seeking that next promotion or wanting to be the person others actually listen to in meetings, this episode delivers actionable strategies to transform your professional presence and influence.
Speakers
Chris Voss
Former FBI hostage negotiator and CEO of The Black Swan Group. As he explains, his expertise lies in high-stakes communication strategies and negotiation tactics that create the "illusion of control."
Kim Scott
Bestselling author of Radical Candor and co-founder of the company by the same name. She shares her framework for soliciting and handling difficult feedback in professional relationships.
Patrick Lencioni
Leadership expert and founder of The Table Group. He discusses the importance of operating within your "zone of genius" rather than trying to master everything.
Tori Dunlap
Founder of Her First 100k, building a global movement around financial power and personal confidence. She emphasizes that true confidence stems from self-worthiness and belonging.
Ken Coleman
Career expert and host of The Ken Coleman Show. He introduces his "proximity principle" - the idea that career success comes from being around the right people in the right places.
Matt Abrahams
Strategic communication professor at Stanford's Graduate School of Business. He teaches the science behind networking and spontaneous conversation preparation.
Michelle Tillis Letterman
Top networking expert and CEO of Executive Essentials. She breaks down why likability is one of the most underrated but powerful tools for workplace influence.
Key Takeaways
Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like an Owner
Position yourself as the go-to person by adopting an entrepreneurial mindset from day one. Ask your boss: "How can I help you grow this business?" This single question separates employees from future leaders and opens doors to equity opportunities. (02:30)
Operate in Your Zone of Genius
Stop trying to master everything and lean into work that truly energizes you. High achievers often excel at tasks they hate, creating wounds disguised as superpowers. (05:11) Focus on your natural strengths rather than powering through energy-draining activities that lead to burnout.
Believe Yourself Worthy of Every Opportunity
True confidence stems from unwavering self-worth. Walk into meetings wondering how others will see your value, not whether they'll accept you. (06:47) When you believe you deserve love, opportunity, and belonging, you'll show up differently in every aspect of your professional life.
Master Strategic Small Talk
Prepare for networking like a restaurant kitchen during peak hours—have everything pre-chopped and ready. Develop themes you want to share and stockpile specific stories or data to support them. (18:33) Start conversations with questions or environmental observations, not business talk.
Use "What" and "How" Questions to Guide Without Controlling
Give others the illusion of control by asking "How am I supposed to do that?" instead of saying no directly. (23:48) These questions make people think about complexity without feeling attacked, allowing you to guide conversations while appearing collaborative.
Statistics & Facts
No specific statistics were provided in this episode.
